There’s no ‘magic’ in cinema. You have to shed sweat, blood and tears to reach up to some level in cinema. For some, it will give pongal, few others will get biryani and for many it will give pattini (starvation). And in the case of versatile actor Vikram, I feel bad that it took so long for him to become ‘Chiyaan’ (due recognition),” actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan remarked at the trailer launch of his 45th production venture Kadaram Kondan, which features Vikram in the lead. It is also the launching movie of Akshara Haasan.
Produced by Raaj Kamal International Films (RKIF), the movie directed by Kamal’s protégé Rajesh M. Selva introduces ace actor Nasser’s son Abi Hassan as Akshara’s pair.
Kamal recalled the first time he saw Vikram. “A few years ago, I watched a film called Meera.
Impressed with the lead actor and his looks, I enquired about the young chap. They said he was a newcomer Vikram. That was my first connection with him,” said Kamal.
The moment Ulaganayagan heaped laurels on Vikram’s stylish act in Kadaram Kondan, Chiyaan fans gathered there began screaming and whistling. Turning his attention to the fan, Kamal then added, “Verum koochal pottal mattum podadhu (‘It’s not enough if you fans just make noise.’). Hail good films, which will make the actors to work with verve for the next ten years. Filmmaking is not only a business proposition and for those who count money, I feel it is the responsibility of fans and audiences to hail good cinema, which will leave a lasting mark in the industry.” He also vouched that Kadaram Kondan will be a milestone film for Chiyaan.
Kamal also seems optimistic about director Rajesh, Kamal says, “I went to the sets of Kadaram Kondan only twice and I never had any apprehensions. Having been my sishyan (student), Rajesh has seen enough troubles during our earlier works, and he’s capable of handling any situation. After all, we made a film and the entire government was chasing us,” he said laughing, referring to the numerous hassles he had to face during the release of his Vishwaroopam.
